This came on Monday as El-Qusair addressed the Senate during a session to clarify the agricultural policies of the government in light of local and regional challenges.

He asserted that Egypt is close to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar and has markedly succeeded to narrow the gap in the production of some staples including wheat and corn.

The agriculture minister said that food security is ensured when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

The Agriculture and Land Reclamation Ministry's strategy for sustainable agriculture development is part of Egypt Vision 2030 that aims to develop the country's agricultural resources and achieve balanced, inclusive and sustainable development, he said.

In 2022, the country's agricultural exports reached an all time high of 6.5 million tons --  a 14 percent increase compared to 2021 -- valued at $3.3 billion.  

The top products were citruses, potatoes, fresh onions, grapes, fresh tomatoes, sweet potatoes, strawberries, guava, garlic, mango, watermelon and pomegranates.